# Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication(MFA) application that A-State uses to keep your account secure. This is a required tool for anyone with an A-State account.
# Adding Microsoft Authenticator to Outlook Account
If you are already signed in to your A-State Microsoft account, you can use this **[GUIDE](https://kb.astate.edu/books/microsoft-authenticator-Ps9/page/adding-microsoft-authenticator-to-your-account-already-signed-in)** for adding Microsoft Authenticator
You will need both a computer/tablet and a mobile phone for this process
\*For setup with mobile device only, follow this [**GUIDE**](https://kb.astate.edu/books/microsoft-authenticator-Ps9/page/microsoft-authenticator-account-faqs)
- - From a web browser, visit [www.outlook.com](http://www.outlook.com) and select **Sign In[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/outlook-ms.png)**
- Sign in with your A-State email address and enter your password
** **
- - On the "***Let's keep your account secure"*** screen, click **Next**
- - Download the **Microsoft Authenticator app** by either scanning the Qr code below or through the ***App Store (iPhone/iOS)*** or the ***Play Store (Android)***
[**aka.ms/mobileauthenticator**](https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator)
- - - After you download the free **Microsoft Authenticator app** on your phone click **Next** on the computer
-
-
- ***Please make sure you are downloading the app named "Microsoft Authenticator", this application is free and does not require any purchase***
-
- - Make sure you **allow** notifications on your phone and then click **Next**
- - ##### A **unique QR code** will generate on the next screen
- **Be sure to scan the code by using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone (select Scan QR code)**
 [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/mobile-auth.png)
- - Once you scan the QR code, click **Next**
- Microsoft will then generate a random number on the computer, go to your the **Authenticator app** and enter the number you see on screen
- - After you enter the number in the app, your A-State account will be successfully linked to your Microsoft Authenticator app, Click **Done**
- - The next page will show you have successfully added Microsoft Authenticator as a verification method, along with your personal email, click **Done** and continue to your Outlook inbox
For further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 870-972-3933 or stop by IT Support Services (). It is located on the bottom floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149
# Adding Microsoft Authenticator To Your Account (Already Signed In)
You will need both a computer/tablet and a mobile phone for this process
\*[\*For setup with mobile device only, follow this ](https://kb.astate.edu/books/student-email-setup/page/delete-KXa "here")[**GUIDE**](https://kb.astate.edu/books/microsoft-authenticator-Ps9/page/microsoft-authenticator-account-faqs)
- Go to [myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) in your web browser and sign in with your A-State credentials, then select "**Security info**" under **My Account** to the left of the screen
- The Security info section will be in the same place, no matter if you are using the old or new style of the Microsoft interface.
---
#### **OLD**
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/outlook-account-screen.png)
#### **NEW**
**[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/new-ms-look.png)**
- ---
Click on "**+ Add sign-in method**"
- Select the "**Microsoft Authenticator**" option
- Download the free **Microsoft Authenticator app** by either scanning the QR code below or through the ***App Store (iPhone/iOS)*** or the ***Play Store (Android)***
***Please make sure you are downloading the app named "Microsoft Authenticator", this application is free and does not require any purchase***
  **[https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator](https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator)**
- After you download the app, click "Next" and then click "Next" on the next pop-up
- Scan the generated QR code while using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device
- *Do not use your camera app, this will not link the authenticator to your account* 
- After you scan the QR code, it will generate a random number, type the number on the screen into your mobile device
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/mfa-number.png)
- After inputting the number, the Microsoft Authenticator has been added to your account successfully
For further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 870-972-3933 or stop by IT Support Services (). It is located on the bottom floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149
# Microsoft Authenticator & Account FAQs
How do I sign in to Microsoft Authenticator with only a mobile device or tablet?
- Download the free **Microsoft Authenticator app** by either scanning the QR code below or through the ***App Store (iPhone/iOS)*** or the ***Play Store (Android)***
***Please make sure you are downloading the app named "Microsoft Authenticator", this application is free and does not require any purchase***
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-logo.png) 
[**https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator**](https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator)
- Open the **Microsoft Authenticator** on your mobile device and select the **+** icon in the top right corner and select **Work or school account** and then **Sign in** with your A-State credentials
  [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-phone3.jpeg)
- Select **Open browser**, then select **Next** on following screen:
 
- Select **Next**, you may need to select ***Pair your account to the app by clicking this link.*** if it does not redirect at first.
- You will be redirected back to the **Microsoft Authenticator** app and it will ask for a 2 digit code
- To find the code, go back to your web browser and then type the code in the box in the **Authenticator** app. ***(You can refresh the page in your browser to get a new code, if needed.)***
  [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/JX5ms-auth-phone9.jpeg)
How do I change the default authentication method?
1\. Go to [myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and sign in with your A-State credentials
2\. Select **Security info** under **My Account** on the left side of the screen
3\. On the **Security info** page, click *Change* at the top next to **Default sign-in method:**
**[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-change.png)**
4\. A box will pop-up asking which method you would like to use:
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-method.png)
Options:
- **App based authentication - notification:** Input a code into the Microsoft Authenticator app
- **App based authentication or** \***hardware token - code:** Use the current bypass code displayed in the
Microsoft Authenticator app
*(the code refreshes every 30 seconds)
-Other Options (By exception only):
- **Phone: Text/Call** - Receive a code via text message to your mobile number or receive a phone call to approve
** \*Hardware token** - exception only (provided by Security)*
5\. Once you have made your selection, click **Confirm**
6\. You will receive a notification in the top right of the screen, letting you know it has been confirmed
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-confirmed.png)
How do I add/change/remove my phone number?
#### **Adding your phone number:**
1\. Go to [myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and sign in with your A-State credentials
2\. Select **Security info** under **My Account** on the left side of the screen
3\. Select **+ Add sign-in method** and select **Phone**
4\. Input the correct **Country code** and **Phone number** (no dashes) and choose which method you want to use to verify (text or call) and hit **Next**
**[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-phone.png)**
5a. If you choose to receive a text, a code will be sent to you via text message, input the code and hit **Next**
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-text.png)
5b. If you choose to receive a call, you will get an automated call from **Microsoft** from this number (**855-330-8653**), just follow the instructions on the call and that will finish the call set up
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ms-auth-call.png)
#### **Changing your phone number:**
To change your phone number, please follow these steps:
1. Go to [myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and sign in with your A-State credentials
2. Select **Security info** under **My Account** on the left side of the screen
3. Next to the phone number you want to change, select **Change**
4. Enter the new phone number and select **Next**
5. Enter the code that was text to the new phone number and select **Next**
#### **Removing your phone number:**
1. Go to [myaccount.microsoft.com](https://myaccount.microsoft.com) and sign in with your A-State credentials
2. Select **Security info** under **My Account** on the left side of the screen
3. Next to the phone number you want to remove, click **Remove**
For further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 870-972-3933 or stop by IT Support Services (). It is located on the bottom floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149
# Approving a login with Microsoft Authenticator
- Open a web browser and go to the [Pack Portal](https://pack.astate.edu) and select **Log In** in the top right corner
- This can also be completed through Canvas, Outlook, and Banner 9
- Enter your A-State email dress and click **Next**
****
- Enter your **A-State credentials** for Microsoft on the next prompts and click **Sign in**
 
- A randomly generated code will display on the screen
- Enter the number in your **Microsoft Authenticator** app on your mobile device
- After authenticating, the screen will refresh on the Pack Portal and you have successfully logged in using **Microsoft Authenticator**
****
For further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 870-972-3933 or stop by the IT Support Services (). It is located on the bottom floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149.
# Microsoft Authenticator Setup through Pack Portal
- From a web browser, go to the Pack Portal - [pack.astate.edu](https://pack.astate.edu/dashboard) and select **Log In** in the top right corner
- Enter your A-State email address in the **Username** field and click **Next**
- Sign into **Microsoft** using your A-State email and password
 
- - - On the "***Let's keep your account secure"*** screen, click **Next**
- - Download the **Microsoft Authenticator app** by either scanning the Qr code below or through the ***App Store (iPhone/iOS)*** or the ***Play Store (Android)***
[**aka.ms/mobileauthenticator**](https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator)
- - - After you download the free **Microsoft Authenticator app** on your phone click **Next** on the computer
-
-
- ***Please make sure you are downloading the app named "Microsoft Authenticator", this application is free and does not require any purchase***
-
- Make sure you **allow** notifications on your phone and then click **Next**
A **unique QR code** will generate on the next screen
- - - **Be sure to scan the code by using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone (select Scan QR code)**
 [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/mobile-auth.png)
- Once you scan the QR code, click **Next**
- Microsoft will then generate a random number on the computer, go to your the **Authenticator app** and enter the number you see on screen
- - After you enter the number in the app, your A-State account will be successfully linked to your Microsoft Authenticator app, Click **Done**
- - The next page will show you have successfully added Microsoft Authenticator as a verification method, along with your personal email, click **Done** and continue to the **Pack Porta**l page
- You should have full access to your **Pack Portal** now
For further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 870-972-3933 or stop by IT Support Services (). It is located on the bottom floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 149
# Microsoft Authenticator FOB Guide
1. Go to [https://myaccount.microsoft.com/](https://myaccount.microsoft.com/)
2. Sign in with your A-State username > click Next.
*(example: username@astate.edu or username@smail.astate.edu)* [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/lucimage.png)
3. Enter your A-State password > click Sign in.
4. On the left Click “My Account” and Select “Security Info”.
(Note: When using a smart device, you may have to select the **≡** first)
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/erwimage.png)
5. Click Add sign-in method and select Hardware token.
| [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/dByimage.png)
| [](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/Ki6image.png)
|
6. Click Next, at the below screen.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/gzKimage.png)
7. Here you will enter the serial number on the back of the FOB and click Next.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/Dj8image.png)
8. Name your FOB and click Next.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/tnWimage.png)
9. Push the button on the FOB to display the random 6-digit authentication and enter the code on the enter code screen and click Next.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/LYIimage.png)
10. Now click "Done."
11. Congratulations, you have successfully added the FOB to your account.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/0uJimage.png)
# Microsoft Authenticator - Transferring Devices
If you are switching to a new phone, Follow these steps before removing the Microsoft Authenticator on your old device. If these steps are not followed, you may experience an account lockout known as the "Authenticator Loop." This occurs because your current device remains registered to your account until it is manually removed.
If your old device is no longer available, you will need to contact the Help Desk at 870-972-3933 during normal business hours 8 A.M to 5 P.M Central Standard Time (Monday through Friday) for assistance removing the old device and restoring access to your account.
Setup Using A Computer
---
#### Sign Into Your Security Info
- Navigate to [https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info](https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info)
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/pick-an-account.png)
- Sign in using your A-State email and password.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/pick-a-password.png)
- Complete the authentication prompt using your current Microsoft Authenticator app on the old device.
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/approve-sign-in-request.png)
- Enter the number on your phone as shown on the computer (If you don't see this popup skip to the next step)
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/microsoft-sign-in-verification-prompt.png)
##### 6 digit Verification code
If you successfully signed in skip to Security Info
- If you don't receive a push notification to your phone, On the computer select "I can't use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now." and then select "Use a verification code."
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/verify-your-identity.png)[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/enter-code.png)
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and select your A-State email
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/authenticator-account-updated.png)
- Under One-Time password code, Enter the 6 digit code into the "Code" field on the computer
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/one-time-passcode.png)[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/enter-code.png)
##### Security Info
- Click on "Add sign-in method"
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/security-info.png)
- Chose Microsoft Authenticator
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/add-sign-in-method.png)
- Download the free **Microsoft Authenticator app** by either scanning the QR code below or through the ***App Store (iPhone/iOS)*** or the ***Play Store (Android)***
**[https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator](https://aka.ms/mobileauthenticator)**
- After you download the app, click "Next" and then click "Next" on the next pop-up
- Scan the generated QR code on your computer while using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device
- - *Do not use your built in camera app, this will not link the authenticator to your account*
**
- After you scan the QR code, it will generate a random number, type the number on the screen into your mobile device
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/mfa-number.png)
- After inputting the number, the Microsoft Authenticator has been added to your account successfully
Click Done - If you are not automatically redirected back to Security Info, Navigate back to [https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info](https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info)
[](https://kb.astate.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2026-11/security-info.png)
To the right of your old device, Click "Delete" and then click "OK" to confirm.